Becoming Morris Chestnut has been an uphill battle. For years, I thought I’d be one of those men rocking a fade until I was fifty. But reality hit me hard. I had to face it: that wasn’t in the bloodline. And if I’m being honest, the struggle was more than just physical. It was also one of confidence. I might finally be finding some even ground. This article is for all my baldies —those who’ve embraced the Mr clean, and those who are still figuring out how to do it. It's an ode to us.
If you’re like me, the idea of going bald isn’t as easy as just shaving it all off and calling it a day. There’s some maintenance involved. As much as I wish I could walk around looking like Morris with little to no effort, I’ve learned over time that a little TLC goes a long way. Let’s get into the tips and tricks that’ve helped me in this journey—because just like any part of your body, the scalp deserves the love it needs.
1. Always Wash, Clean, and Care for Your Scalp
I know it sounds simple, but hear me out. Just because you’re bald doesn’t mean your scalp is invincible. In fact, it’s probably a little more vulnerable to the elements, whether it’s the sun or the constant shaving. Keeping the scalp clean is essential for maintaining its health and preventing buildup. I wash my scalp with a gentle scrub every few days. Make sure you’re using a shampoo that’s formulated for your skin type and, yes, use conditioner.
2. Soften the Skin Before Shaving
This is a key part of my ritual. Before I even think about putting a razor to my skin, I soften it first. I use shaving cream every single time. I’ve started using Harry’s Shaving Cream—it's smooth, it’s rich, and it helps soften the skin and hair. Trust me, when you don’t soften the hair and skin first, it feels like you're dragging a dull blade across sandpaper. This is the first way to protect the skin and prevent irritation.
3. Never Go Against the Grain
Going against the grain might seem like a good idea for a closer shave, but trust me, it's a setup for razor bumps and irritation. Your hair grows in a specific direction, and shaving against the grain forces the hair to go in the opposite direction, which can lead to ingrown hairs and bumps. My rule? Always go with the grain. You’ll get a smoother shave and less irritation, especially in the sensitive areas of your neck.
4. Use a Philips Norelco OneBlade
I’m about to put you onto something that has saved my life in the bald game. The Philips Norelco OneBlade. I use it for every shave. It’s electric, so it takes down a lot of the work and cutting that comes with using a regular razor. Plus, it’s gentle enough on the scalp, and the blade doesn’t tug at your skin like some traditional razors. If you haven’t invested in one of these yet, do.
5. Burning the Skin with Alcohol
Alright, I know some of y’all are probably reading this and thinking I’m crazy, but hear me out. After I shave, I hit my scalp with some alcohol. It’s like that old-school burn that lets you know your skin is clean and the open wounds are getting disinfected. Maybe it’s a little extreme, but that sensation just makes me feel like I’m doing something right. Plus, alcohol helps prevent any potential infections from ingrown hairs. Don’t knock it till you try it.
6. Moisturize with Vitamin D
Now, after all that shaving, alcohol, and maybe a little burn, it’s time to lock in that moisture. I’ve been using Jason’s Vitamin D Moisturizing Lotion. It helps keep my scalp feeling smooth and nourished. Plus, Vitamin D is essential for building that skin barrier and keeping it strong. Don’t let the scalp dry out after all that work. Give it some love with a moisturizer that’s built for the job.
7. Always Use Razor Bump Cream
Lastly, we can’t forget about the razor bumps. They’re a bald man’s nemesis. 😖. I’ve learned that the best way to tackle razor bumps is by using a good razor bump cream after every shave. It helps calm down the irritation and prevents them from making an appearance. This step is essential for me, and cannot be skipped.
Going bald hasn’t just been about getting rid of the hair—it’s been about owning the process and taking care of yourself every step of the way. And to my bald brothers still out there struggling to embrace it, just know you’re not alone. It might take time, but you’ll get there. Trust me, it’s sexy to rock that shine.
Comments